During the Identity week we’ll be using John’s gospel to explore Jesus’ identity. There are lots of John’s gospels available free at all the events taking place during the week, so please do pick one up and start to explore for yourself who Jesus is.

Who is Jesus, what’s his true identity?

The gospel of John reveals a staggering truth, which radically changes everything. No more guessing games about God. He has walked this planet and has spoken to his creatures. Jesus is fully divine and fully human. He left the security of heaven to spend time here on earth. The crucial question is, why?

Why did the Word of God become a human being?

He came on a dramatic rescue mission. He was sent by his Father to set up something called the Kingdom of God. He was appointed to gather together a group of people who would willingly submit to his loving rule. Instead of deciding for themselves how they should behave in God’s world, they would surrender to his loving instructions. To show he was the promised King he performed many miracles, which all pointed to his unique identity as God’s Messiah. He also came to provide the possibility of a royal pardon for previous acts of treason against the heavenly government. Jesus was killed on a cross as the substitute for his people. He suffered the punishment his followers deserved so they could live without the fear of condemnation. He dealt completely with their past mistakes and promised to radically transform their future destinies.

With this understanding of who Jesus is, there comes the necessity to respond: Will you believe and have life in his name? John’s account shows us the responses of many people who came into contact with Jesus. These accounts and others can be seen by clicking tab ‘the eye-witness accounts of Jesus’. The accounts of students here at Nottingham who have met and entered a relationship with Jesus can be seen be clicking on ‘student stories’ on the tab bar.

Another useful website which clearly and simply explains the message of Christianity and what Jesus did on the cross can be found at http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl

You can also explore more at the Nottingham University Christian Union website www.nucu.org